– Appoints Akanmu Pioneer Faculty Dean
Ekiti State University (EKSU) is making significant strides towards launching its pharmacy programme, with plans to commence in the upcoming academic session, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
At the time of this report, the establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the university is underway. Professor Olu Akanmu, a former dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been appointed to spearhead the initiative. Akanmu, who began his tenure as the faculty’s inaugural dean on 2 July 2024, is tasked with overseeing the faculty’s setup.
In an exclusive interview with Pharmanews, Akanmu confirmed his appointment and his role in establishing the faculty. He also stated that he has officially assumed his duties as dean.
The initiative of creating a Faculty of Pharmacy at EKSU was first proposed in April 2024, during the university’s 28th convocation, where former Minister of Health and President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, was awarded a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa). During the event, Adelusi-Adeluyi publicly called for the establishment of a Faculty of Pharmacy at the university.
He specifically urged the then vice-chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, to ensure the faculty’s establishment before the end of his tenure, which concluded on 19 August 2024. In response, the VC asked Adelusi-Adeluyi to be a key facilitator of the project.
The university subsequently initiated the process of establishing the faculty less than a month after the request.
Akanmu, speaking with Pharmanews, explained that “setting up a Faculty of Pharmacy involves numerous processes, including obtaining approval from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).”
He continued, “In May 2024, the university management contacted me, and I was subsequently appointed as the pioneer dean of the faculty. I began my duties on 2 July 2024, as the inaugural dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Ekiti State University.
“This means I have the responsibility to oversee the commencement of the programme. The goal is to start the programmes this year, with the new academic session, develop the curriculum, and set the pace.”
Akanmu noted that the existence of the Faculty of Science at the university facilitates the launch of the Faculty of Pharmacy, as students will begin their first year in the Faculty of Science.
According to the dean, the PCN visited the university on 14 August 2024 to conduct an assessment that will lead to the approval of the programmes to be offered by the faculty. He added that the university is now awaiting a formal response from the council.
“The university has also submitted the necessary documentation to the NUC, and we are hoping they will visit by September. Once they provide their approval, we will advertise for student admissions for the upcoming session,” Prof. Akanmu said.
Although Prof. Olanipekun’s tenure as vice-chancellor ended on 19 August 2024, and the new vice-chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, assumed office on 20 August 2024, the transition has been smooth.
Ayodele, who was the deputy vice-chancellor (Academic) prior to his appointment on 12 August 2024, was actively involved in the faculty’s establishment from the outset.
Akanmu highlighted that the involvement of the new VC in the planning stages has been beneficial, ensuring continuity from where his predecessor left off. He pledged to do his utmost to ensure a solid foundation is laid for the faculty.
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